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Diagnosed with scoliosis at 14. Milwaukee brace from 17-18, didn't help. Chiropractic and muscle stimulation for years. Didn't inhibit activities or flexibility til late 30's. Was thoracic curve of about 20, lumbar curve in 40s. Now thoracic curve of 52, lumbar curve of 68. Discs in low lumbar/sacrum have completely degenerated and formed arthritic spurs causing pain and burning sensation. I cannot walk or stand for long periods and I have a lot of sciatic pain down my left leg.
Saw ortho surgeon in mid 70s. Refused fusion for many reasons. Saw Dr Lebwohl in Miami 5 years ago. He recommended low lumbar/sacral fusion followed by a later fusion on rest of back. Saw Dr Moreno in Tampa recently. Curves have increased 10 degrees in 5 years, he recommends full fusion of entire back. (Have requested T&L numbers, will post later).
My pain is not horrendous, but has increased from mild discomfort 10 years ago to more constant pain and decreased function. Plus, my list to the left has become very bad and I now limp. Both surgeons have told me I need the surgery, but could put it off a few years. Of course there's the magic number when the curve gets too bad to successfully correct.
This is the first time I've had really good insurance and a job that's slow in the summer so I can take off for a month. I can also work part time or from home. My kids are 12 and 14 and will be home/won't start school til 11 days after Aug 13 surgery. Also have support of mom and husband. So the timing is good.
My real concern is mobility after. Flexibility. Being able to turn when driving. Snow skiing, waterskiing, walking. Sex. Tying my shoes. I'd really like a first hand idea of what to expect from those that have done it. I'm 43 and otherwise healthy. Many thanks!
Saw ortho surgeon in mid 70s. Refused fusion for many reasons. Saw Dr Lebwohl in Miami 5 years ago. He recommended low lumbar/sacral fusion followed by a later fusion on rest of back. Saw Dr Moreno in Tampa recently. Curves have increased 10 degrees in 5 years, he recommends full fusion of entire back. (Have requested T&L numbers, will post later).
My pain is not horrendous, but has increased from mild discomfort 10 years ago to more constant pain and decreased function. Plus, my list to the left has become very bad and I now limp. Both surgeons have told me I need the surgery, but could put it off a few years. Of course there's the magic number when the curve gets too bad to successfully correct.
This is the first time I've had really good insurance and a job that's slow in the summer so I can take off for a month. I can also work part time or from home. My kids are 12 and 14 and will be home/won't start school til 11 days after Aug 13 surgery. Also have support of mom and husband. So the timing is good.
My real concern is mobility after. Flexibility. Being able to turn when driving. Snow skiing, waterskiing, walking. Sex. Tying my shoes. I'd really like a first hand idea of what to expect from those that have done it. I'm 43 and otherwise healthy. Many thanks!
from T3 to L3, and I'm 47 yrs old. My doctor did tell me no skiing for one year (but then I've never skied and don't intend to start now.) Instead of twisting when I drive, I have leather seats so I turn my whole body from my butt and I manage just fine. Walking--I can walk 5 miles at a shot and I've done so since about 4 months post-op. I've been able to tie my own shoes since a month post op. I just pull my foot on top of the other knee and it works just fine. Sex--not a problem. I think we first tried too soon, even though the dr. said we could. I had a problem--um--that nothing 'worked' for me at first, but I think it was the pain meds. Also at first I felt like I was getting crushed, but I think that's because it was early on. Since about 6 months post-op, we've been just FINE. Send me a PM if you have more questions on that topic. 
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